John Christopher Sterns
Death is a natural part of life. Rejoice for those who transform into the force.
-Yoda
Obituary
On October 7th, 2025, John completed his marathon against cancer at the age of 71. John was beloved by all who knew him with a warm smile and hug, welcoming spirit and always ready with a "Dad Joke".
John was born in Marathon, Ontario on March 28th, 1953 to Sewall and Margaret Sterns. He was born the 3rd of 4 children with 2 older sisters (Mary and Liz) and 1 younger brother (Paul). John attended the University of Waterloo where he studied Urban Planning and formed lifelong friendships.
In 1981 he met the love of his life, Christie and they were wed on August 27th, 1983. They raised 2 daughters together, Rebecca and Danielle of whom John was exceptionally proud.
John loved his community and during Rebecca and Danielle's childhood years he became involved in the Erin Mills Soccer club, eventually elected to president of the club. Over the last 39 years he has played many roles as part of the St. Thomas A Becket Anglican church. At Christmas-time John's schedule quickly filled up with his role of Santa for work events, a charitable photo-shoot with pets and for his daughter's friends. Everyone agreed that he always did an incredible job and embodied the spirit of Santa Claus.
Professionally, John was very accomplished and extremely well loved and respected in his career in the insurance industry and was most proud of his work with CNA for the last 8 years.
John battled cancer for 22 years with grit and resilience but he also always fought with optimism and kindness and respect for the countless healthcare workers he met along his journey.
We are deeply saddened by the loss of John but we are also deeply grateful to have had such a wonderful person in our lives.
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Given the outpouring of love for John we are hoping for a great turnout for his party and as such we ask that, if at all possible, that alternate arrangements are made for children.
We also will unlikely be able to spend as much time as we would like with each of you individually but we hope that you will take this time to share memories with all the people that John loved.
Dress code: casual, just like John was :)
2305 Meadowvale Blvd
Mississauga, ON
L5N 0H6
4-8pm
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Together, let us continue the legacy of compassion and kindness that John embodied throughout his life.
The Terry Fox Foundation
"Driven by Terry’s courage and determination, we collaborate with and inspire people around the world to support and fundraise for bold, extraordinary research to end cancer."
https://terryfox.org/ways-to-give
The Ontario Veterinary College Pet Trust
"OVC Pet Trust is Canada’s first charitable fund dedicated to improving and advancing companion animal health and well-being. We support innovative discoveries, education and health care that improve the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases of pets."
https://bbis.alumni.uoguelph.ca/BBIS_Cannon/give/ovcpettrust-tribute
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